She Cranes Crowned Africa Netball Champions After Stunning South Africa Comeback

NAIROBI, KENYA — Uganda’s national women’s netball team, the She Cranes, have been crowned champions of the 2026 Netball Africa Cup after defeating arch-rivals South Africa 56–53 in a thrilling final at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

The victory capped a remarkable comeback by the Ugandan side, who overturned a five-goal halftime deficit to claim their first continental title since 2018.

South Africa, the defending champions and Africa’s top-seeded team, appeared to have the upper hand during the opening half, taking a 26–21 lead into the break.

However, the She Cranes returned from halftime with renewed determination and intensity, producing one of their best second-half performances of the tournament.

Uganda steadily reduced the deficit in the third quarter, putting South Africa under sustained pressure and entering the final quarter just one goal behind.

The She Cranes then completed the turnaround in the decisive final period, outscoring South Africa 20–16 to secure a hard-fought 56–53 victory and lift the continental trophy.

The triumph was particularly significant given Uganda’s struggles in the second halves of several of their earlier matches at the tournament.

Revenge against South Africa

The victory also provided a measure of revenge for Uganda following previous defeats to South Africa, including at the Commonwealth Games and in the final of the previous edition of the Africa Netball Cup.

This time, however, the She Cranes held their nerve when it mattered most, denying the Proteas an opportunity to retain their continental crown.

Uganda’s success also restored the team to the top of African netball after their previous continental triumph in 2018.

The She Cranes had earlier won the African title in 2014 and 2017, making the 2026 triumph their fourth continental championship.

Unbeaten run to the title

Uganda’s journey to the final was equally impressive, with the She Cranes maintaining an unbeaten record throughout the competition.

They defeated Nigeria, Zambia, hosts Kenya and Malawi before overcoming South Africa in the final.

Their consistency across the tournament laid the foundation for the dramatic final-day victory, with the team demonstrating resilience against some of the continent’s strongest sides.

South Africa, ranked fifth in the world, entered the final as the tournament’s top seed and defending champion, but Uganda produced the stronger finish to claim the title.

Malawi take bronze

In the bronze-medal match, Malawi defeated Namibia 50–45 to finish third in the tournament.

The result saw Malawi secure a place among the African representatives at the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, alongside Uganda, South Africa and Namibia.

Uganda and South Africa had already secured their places at the global showpiece through their strong world rankings.

The four African nations will therefore represent the continent at the Sydney 2027 Netball World Cup.

She Cranes' winning squad

The championship-winning Uganda squad comprised players from several of the country's leading clubs and institutions.

Defenders: Eve Aitesi (Prisons), Gloria Aya (NIC), Nsiimu Mutesi (NIC), Sheilah Nayibanda (Weyonje), Shaffie Nalwanja (KCCA), Faridah Wesonga (UCU).

Mid-court: Margret Baagala (KCCA), Nashim Khadaala (Prisons), Annet Namuddu (Victoria University).

Shooters: Joan Nantumbwe (Police), Racheal Nanyonga (NIC), Shadia Nassanga Ssegujja (KCCA), Christine Kango Namulumba (Prisons), Alice Winnie Isoto (NIC). 

The squad’s depth across defence, mid-court and shooting proved crucial during Uganda’s unbeaten campaign.

A new chapter for Ugandan netball

The 56–53 victory in Nairobi represents another important chapter in the history of Ugandan netball.

After waiting eight years since their last continental triumph in 2018, the She Cranes have reclaimed the African crown and done so by overcoming the defending champions in a final that required composure, resilience and a powerful second-half response.

The triumph gives Uganda renewed momentum as the team turns its attention to the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, where the She Cranes will compete among the world's best teams.

For now, the focus remains on celebrating a continental championship earned through an unbeaten run and a memorable comeback against South Africa.